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B.S. Major in Physics

THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) MAJOR IN PHYSICS 36 Credits

This program provides the necessary preparation for entry-level work as a physicist in government or industry. It also prepares students for entry-level work or graduate study in a wide variety of interdisciplinary science and engineering fields including astronomy and astrophysics, computational physics, geophysics, planetary science, electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, etc. Also, the program is highly recommended for any career in which a liberal arts degree with a concentration in physics may be desirable - scientific writing and reporting, criminology, patent law, scientific equipment sales, high-school physics teaching (when combined with the required education courses) - to name just a few. Students should work closely with their advisors in choosing electives to prepare for specific career goals.

Biomedical Physics Track

The biomedical physics track offers three specializations: Pre-Biomedical Engineering, Pre-Medical Physics, and Pre-Biophysics. Each of them is designed for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in those areas or related fields.

Program Goals

Learning Objectives

1. Students will have a knowledge of the information in each of the major areas of physics, and of the interrelation between these major areas of physics.

1A. Students will demonstrate an improved understanding of the fundamental concepts in each of the major areas of physics.

1B. Students will be able to use concepts and techniques from more than one area of physics together to solve problems.

2. Students will have mastered the skills appropriate to the discipline of physics.

2A. Students will demonstrate a conceptual problem solving ability.

2B. Students will demonstrate a proficiency in the application of mathematics to physics.

2C. Students will demonstrate a proficiency in the design, measurement and analysis techniques required in the laboratory.

2D. Students will demonstrate the ability to work as members of a team.

2E. Students will synthesize current knowledge and apply or extend it to new situations.

2F. Students will successfully analyze the ethical component of issues from the physical sciences.

2G: Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively present the results of quantitative studies.

Course Requirements: The following Physics courses are required for all majors.